GOLDEN
HOUR
CHALLENGE
The Golden Hour Challenge is a short film competition celebrating the magic of cinema's most coveted light. Filmmakers have 60–240 seconds to tell a story shot entirely during golden hour, that fleeting window of warm, cinematic light just after sunrise or just before sunset. Entries are open April 11 – May 29, and the winning film takes home a $2,500 value grant and cash prize.
CINE-SPRINT
A standalone challenge, separate from our main festival competition. Open for entries April 11 – May 29.
APPLICATIONS OPEN APRIL 11
JURY WINNER
$2,000 value (10 HOURS) in studio time courtesy of SPCKRFT Studios — use it to fuel your next production.*
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$500 Cash Prize courtesy of CineVega
AUDIENCE CHOICE WINNER
The power is in the hands of the audience. Every attendee present at the awards ceremony gets a vote to decide the winner of this dedicated award. The film that captures the heart of the audience will receive the ultimate honor:
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The first Festival Opener. Your film will officially open the FIRST CineVega Flagship Festival*, plus you’ll receive:
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The People’s Choice Trophy.
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VIP Access to THE FIRST CineVega FESTIVAL (2 PASSES!)*
* Terms and conditions apply. Fulfillment of future festival prizes is subject to event execution and scheduling as outlined in the full Cine-Sprint Official Rules. [Click here to read the full rules.]
STEP 1: Register
Registration is MANDATORY to receive the Official Guide and to validate your entry for screening. The Official Guide contains critical, required information for filming, submission specs, and screening logistics.
You will not have the necessary requirements to complete the challenge without this guide. Official registration must be completed before filming begins to be recognized as an official participant and to ensure your production is eligible for the Cine-Sprint: Golden Hour Challenge.
STEP 2: Film!
Head out, capture the light, and edit your film according to the Official Guidelines sent in your welcome pack.
Begin as soon as you are registered!
STEP 3: Submit
Submit your film using the unique link provided in your welcome email.
4/11 Through 5/29
Kickoff, Screenings, and Awards Ceremony will be held at SPCKRFT Studios 310 W. Utah St.
60-240 seconds in length (including credits)
Shot at golden hour (either one)
No AI, stock footage, nudity, or child/animal violence. Avoid excessive gore (minor cuts/nosebleeds/etc. OK). Social issues and documentary politics are welcome, but no partisan messaging.
Production must maintain all valid permits, licenses, and documentation. CineVega assumes no liability for legal non-compliance or administrative oversights. CineVega is not liable for any regulatory fines or operational delays.
TEAMS
FINE PRINT: By participating in the Cine-Sprint: Golden Hour Challenge, accessing our creative prompts, or utilizing CineVega branding for your production, you hereby acknowledge and agree to be bound by our [Official Challenge Rules & Liability Waiver].Participation in any filmmaking activity "inspired by" or "intended for" this contest is done at your own risk. CineVega and SPCKRFT Studios provide no onsite supervision and assume zero liability for any injuries, property damage, or legal violations (including trespassing or lack of permits) incurred during your independent production.Registration is mandatory for prize eligibility. If you have not officially completed [Step 1: Registration], you are filming as an unaffiliated party and have no legal claim or relationship with CineVega.
REGISTER
JURY
MEET SOME OF OUR JURY FOR THIS CHALLENGE
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH C-47 ENTERTAINMENT JURY
KIM RENEE
SAG-AFTRA NEVADA PRESIDENT
GENEVA MARCUS
SAG-AFTRA NEVADA
STEPHEN JOHNATHAN
SAG-AFTRA NEVADA
FAQ
Q: Do I keep the rights to my film?
A: Yes! 100%. CineVega welcomes you to submit your film to any other festivals post challenge. We only ask for the right to screen it at our events and use clips for our highlights. If you plan to submit to broadcasters or other festivals later, we recommend you keep your own records of actor and music releases!
Q: When is golden hour?
A: Golden Hour is the period of time shortly after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun is low on the horizon. This creates the soft, warm, and cinematic light that gives the challenge its name.
For the purposes of the Golden Hour Challenge, we define this window as about one-hour period leading up to official sunset or about one-hour period immediately following official sunrise.
Pro-Tip: In Las Vegas during the challenge window (April–May), evening Golden Hour typically begins around 5:15 PM and ends at sunset (approx. 7:30 PM) and in the morning from around 5:45 AM until 7:30 AM. However, light changes fast! We recommend using an app or a simple "Golden Hour Calculator" online if you wish for your specific shoot date and location.
Q: Do I have to shoot my film in Las Vegas?
A: Nope! You are free to film wherever your creative vision takes you. If you’re heading out on vacation or have a specific location in mind outside of the valley, feel free to shoot there—as long as you’re capturing that perfect Golden Hour light.
The only "local" requirement is that participants must be Las Vegas residents or within driving distance. This is simply because our grand prizes—including studio time and VIP festival passes—are based right here in the city. We want to make sure the winners are actually able to use and enjoy everything they’ve earned!